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The Glory of Zion

Of this chapter and of the one that follows Derek Kidner wrote: “These glowing exultant chapters depict blessings that transcend the old order and even, in places, the Christians era itself; but the language is that of the OT ordinances and of the literal Jerusalem – it will need translating into terms of the ‘Jerusalem above’ (cf. Gal 4:26). Also Rev 21 draws freely on ch. 60 for its picture of the radiant city from heaven; and the interpretation of that vision (of which more than one view is possible) must affect that of the present prophecy. The view taken here is that the return of dispersed Israelites to Jerusalem is made the model of a far greater movement, the world-wide inflow of converts into the church, and that the vision repeatedly looks beyond this to the end, the state of ultimate glory.”

Paul’s words to the Colossians in chapter 3:1 are “… set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God…” That is where our future lies.

This world, where the evil one appears to offer so much to those who listen to him, is doomed to pass away. God’s children wisely set their hearts on things above.

God’s Sovereign Purposes

Revelation 10:1 – 11:14

There is a great deal in this passage that cannot be addressed in this short consideration.

Of this interruption between the 6th and 7th Trumpets G. R. Beasley-Murray wrote: “The primary purpose of this interruption in the story is … First, a solemn declaration is made of the certainty and nearness of the end when the seventh trumpet is sounded …; secondly, John’s commission to prophesy is freshly affirmed and even extended (he is to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings), and thirdly, the task of the church in the time of tribulation is made plain, namely to bear witness to Christ before the opponents of the gospel. Here for the first time the figure of the antichrist appears (11:7) and the dual nature of the last tribulation becomes apparent, namely judgments of God upon those who oppose him and war against the church by the followers of antichrist”.

We are to take heart that whatever opposition is mounted against God and his people, (and the world is not short of it today) it is not a final challenge to the sovereign purposes of God. Our hope is in Him and in nothing, or no one, else